Click to expand each of the questions below.
Who can become a Board Member?
Any youth between the ages of 16-26 with behavioral health issues can apply to be on the Advisory Board. Applications are accepted any time. New applications are discussed at the Advisory Board meetings and open positions are filled as needed.
How do I become a Board Member?
If you are interested in becoming a member of the YFTI Advisory Board, please fill out the application and return it by email to Laurie Jones. You should also include one personal and one professional letter of reference. These letters should not come from a family member or relative.
These brief letters of reference should include:
- Name and contact information of person writing the letter
- How they know you and how long they have known you
- Why they think you would be a good addition to the Advisory Board
Please note that there are separate applications for family members and system partners who are interested in being on the Advisory Board.
How does the selection process work?
Current youth members on the Advisory Board review all applications and make recommendations to the full Advisory Board based on the selection criteria. A youth member may contact an applicant prior to making a final decision to answer any questions and to explain the important role youth members play on the Advisory Board.
The Director of the Youth and Family Training Institute will contact those applicants selected. Applicants not selected will be notified in writing.
Is there compensation for being a Board Member?
Youth members receive a small stipend for each meeting in which they participate. The stipend amount is based on the length of the meeting and will be provided as long as funding is available.
If I am selected to be an Advisory Board Youth Member, what will I have to do?
Youth Members will:
- Work with other youth, family members, and professionals to oversee and develop the training institute.
- Represent the views of other young adults with behavioral health issues to help shape the vision and goals of the institute.
- Help set the priorities for the work of the institute.
- Monitor ongoing implementation of the work plan.
- Monitor ongoing evaluation, quality assurance, and continuous quality improvement.
- Report on the success of the institute and the overall transformation effort.
- Attend and actively participate in monthly meetings.
- Attend and participate in all training/education related to the institute.